Photonics Driving Economic Growth in Europe - Photonics21

86 Towards 2020 – Photonics driving economic growth in Europe
Students from the
secondary school working with
the photonics explorer
in their class room. © VUB
A strong interaction with
industry will be essential
for establishing vocational
training and life-long
learning, particularly so
for SMEs.
Details are given in the roadmap table, but it is
worth highlighting some general aspects:
n coordinated actions will be needed to take full
advantage of all possible activities and outreach
projects, so as to maximise impact
n specific attention should be devoted to follow-
up actions, and the most successful actions
should be extended and supported until they
can become self-sustainable
n the involvement of non-photonics players (com-
munication experts, school teachers, etc.) will be
essential to break down existing barriers within
the photonics community
n successful ambassadors should be identified for
promoting photonics in the wider community
n cooperation with local and national authorities
will be needed to ensure sustainability. Industries
and private partners should also be encouraged
to support outreach programs
n future young students should be exposed at the
earliest opportunity to fascinating programs in
photonics (following the examples of Photonics
Explorer and Luka’s Land of Discovery)
n establishing awards for innovative students and
competitions for teams of young researchers on
specific problems
n showcasing photonics exhibitions in all major
Science and Technology museums throughout
Europe, including interactive experiments suitable
for visits of students with their teachers
n ensuring that appropriate attention is devoted
to demonstrating the present impact and future
innovation potential of photonics, rather than
merely presenting an historical perspective
n simpler but fascinating photonics installations
provided at high throughput public environments
(airports, train stations, commercial malls,
etc.)
n photonics events (shows, conferences, dissemination
activities) co-located with non-scientific
activities (e.g. suitable art or photography exhibitions)
n full use of available mass media (TV, press,
internet) for dissemination programs.
All actions should take care to address the gender
problem that, despite continuous effort, still faces
us with a clear gender unbalance in science and
technology.
Clearly outreach is not the only challenge. A wider
availability of photonics courses will be needed at
the university level, and these must be matched
with the development of entrepreneurial skills.
A strong interaction with industry will be essential
for establishing vocational training and life-long
learning, particularly so for SMEs. Local specialisation
and its specific needs should be addressed,
though wherever possible aiming for a pan-European
approach.